Fan Dii Na was really worked up before the race, with TVG's Candace pointing out how sweaty she was. I never saw her settle during that lengthy walk-in-a-circle thing that the Japanese horses do before heading to the gate. She was prancing, jigging sideways, ducking her head and pulling against the rider's restraint. I suspect she burned off too much energy just fretting, and may have blunted her ability to stay in the stretch drive.

It's interesting to see that a couple of horses have already run (and won) over 2,000m before the end of April of their third year. The Japanese don't joke around when it comes to stamina.

Wins in stakes record time!

Well the tri didn't really hold up, but nice to see Al Ain win. Surprised that he went off as the ninth pick, when he really hasn't done much wrong. His dam was about as speedy as speedy as they come, looks like the cross with Deep Impact gave him the best of both worlds.

It's interesting to see that a couple of horses have already run (and won) over 2,000m before the end of April of their third year. The Japanese don't joke around when it comes to stamina.

Wins in stakes record time!

Well the tri didn't really hold up, but nice to see Al Ain win. Surprised that he went off as the ninth pick, when he really hasn't done much wrong. His dam was about as speedy as speedy as they come, looks like the cross with Deep Impact gave him the best of both worlds.